To foster innovation and drive growth within our organization, we are seeking a seasoned professional to lead our strategic initiatives as Mission Director. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record in mission-critical leadership, with at least 10 years of progressive experience in mission planning, execution, and oversight. Responsibilities include developing and implementing mission strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and managing cross-functional teams to achieve mission success. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with the ability to navigate complex challenges and drive decision-making. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as aerospace engineering, business administration, or strategic management, is required, though an advanced degree is preferred.
The Compliance & Risk Support team delivers strategic leadership, operational coordination, and specialized technical assistance to Management Authorities (MA’s), enhancing institutional risk awareness, resilience, and adherence to regulatory standards. This area facilitates the systematic identification, evaluation, and mitigation of risks spanning strategic, operational, financial, and safeguarding domains, thereby empowering informed decision-making and fostering the sustainable fulfillment of organizational goals.
The Crisis & Risk Management Support Professional plays a key role in developing, deploying, and refining enterprise-wide risk management and crisis preparedness frameworks for Managing Agents. This position delivers systematic analysis, operational coordination, and expert guidance to enhance risk-based decision-making and crisis response capabilities, ensuring alignment with established organizational policies, governance structures, and risk tolerance levels. Additionally, the role assists in producing consolidated reporting and provides strategic decision-support tools and insights to senior leadership, including the Executive Board and International Board.
Develops and executes a comprehensive array of duties aimed at achieving organizational objectives, ensuring alignment with strategic goals. Plays a pivotal role in overseeing key initiatives, managing cross-functional projects, and maintaining consistent performance standards. Collaborates closely with stakeholders to identify opportunities for improvement, streamline workflows, and enhance operational efficiency. Delivers measurable results through meticulous planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring while adhering to established policies and industry best practices.
Support the establishment, deployment, and upkeep of enterprise risk management (ERM) principles, frameworks, and tools while enabling structured risk identification and assessment processes. Contribute to the formulation and oversight of mitigation strategies and internal controls, ensuring they remain in compliance with governance frameworks and organizational policies.
Prepare risk assessments, executive summaries, and integrated reports for senior leadership; participate in risk evaluations, compliance audits, and governance reviews; and maintain precise records and standardized reporting facilitating data-driven decision-making.
Provide assistance in the creation and consistent maintenance of crisis response protocols, Situational Risk Assessments (SRA’s), contingency plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), while participating in crisis simulations and preparedness drills, and aiding the integration of crisis preparedness into operational and programmatic strategies.
Coordinate responses during critical incidents, develop detailed situation reports, and create structured briefings—incorporating data-driven insights and executive summaries—for senior leadership. Additionally, assist in conducting after-action reviews and facilitating lessons-learned processes to enhance organizational preparedness and resilience.
Collaborate with safeguarding, humanitarian action, compliance, audit, finance, communications, and security teams to establish cohesive risk and crisis management strategies, delivering expert technical guidance and resources to Member Associations. Streamline structured information exchange among all entities while ensuring strict compliance with established risk and crisis management policies and escalation protocols.
Implement and enhance an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) program in accordance with the COST 2017 framework—or the most current version—while ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Provide strategic guidance to leadership regarding the integration of risk appetite with strategic planning, operational performance, and protective measures.
Provide recommendations for the development, upkeep, and rigorous testing of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery strategies, ensuring high-priority business operations are supported by robust contingency measures validated through consistent tabletop exercises and simulated scenarios.
Offer strategic guidance on risk management initiatives and collaborate with stakeholders to formulate and implement effective risk mitigation strategies and preparedness measures.
Uphold safeguarding standards and foster a secure environment diligently.
You are tasked with fostering and upholding a secure and nurturing environment for both staff and the children, young individuals, and adult participants served by SOS Children’s Villages. Your responsibilities include:
Uphold the Code of Conduct consistently while continuously evaluating the safeguarding implications of your professional activities.
Engage collaboratively in team dialogues to proactively assess potential risks, sharing and implementing preventive and mitigation measures and strategies.
Ensure that safeguarding principles are consistently incorporated into your daily decisions and tasks.
Promptly escalate any safeguarding concerns by following established protocols without delay.
Foster a culture rooted in shared values, uphold accountability at all levels, and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding harm.
Requirements
A master’s degree in Crisis Management, Risk Management, Business Administration, Security Studies, International Relations, Emergency Management, Audit, Compliance, Business Continuity, or a closely related field is required.
A minimum of ten years of hands-on professional experience in crisis management, risk management, internal control, audit, compliance, or closely related disciplines is required, with demonstrated knowledge of ISO 31000, ISO 22301, and other pertinent standards.
With a minimum of five years of professional experience, you will have honed your expertise in producing risk reports and providing strategic advice to international C- and S-Board level executives.
Desired experience includes work within an international NGO or federated system.
Demonstrates a readiness to undertake travel commitments, accounting for approximately 30 to 35 percent of the role’s responsibilities.
Fluency in both English and French is essential, while proficiency in Spanish is considered advantageous.
Proficient in technical skills encompassing a broad range of software, programming languages, and systems essential for the role. Demonstrated expertise in analyzing complex technical issues, developing innovative solutions, and optimizing performance through methodical troubleshooting and continuous improvement practices. Capable of effectively collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate technical solutions, ensure seamless system operations, and maintain high standards of reliability and efficiency. Familiarity with industry best practices, emerging technologies, and evolving frameworks to support scalable and sustainable technical advancements.
Enterprise risk management frameworks, such as the internationally recognized ISO 31000 standard, establish structured methodologies for identifying, assessing, evaluating, and mitigating risks across organizational operations. These frameworks provide a systematic approach to ensuring resilience, compliance, and strategic alignment by integrating risk considerations into decision-making processes at all levels of the enterprise. By adhering to such standards, organizations can enhance their ability to anticipate potential threats, optimize resource allocation, and maintain operational continuity in dynamic business environments.
Proficient knowledge of business continuity and crisis management frameworks, such as ISO 22301, is essential for this role.
We conduct thorough risk mapping, perform comprehensive assessments, and prepare detailed reports to identify, evaluate, and document potential risks across operations.
Conducting thorough incident analysis and delivering structured situation reports are essential responsibilities of this role.
We are responsible for designing mitigation and monitoring tools to effectively address risks and track performance.
Analytical reporting and the development of insightful dashboards are essential responsibilities for this role.
Demonstrates exceptional analytical prowess and a methodical, structured approach to problem-solving.
Proven aptitude for distilling intricate details into coherent insights.
Demonstrates strong proficiency in both written and verbal communication skills.
Skilled in diplomacy and maintaining confidentiality are essential for this role. The position demands strong interpersonal skills and the ability to handle sensitive information with care. Candidates must demonstrate tact, professionalism, and sound judgment in all interactions and decision-making processes.
Capable of driving change and gaining support for initiatives even when formal authority is lacking.
A proactive approach to problem-solving is essential for this role, requiring individuals to consistently identify and implement effective solutions.
We thrive in multicultural settings by fostering collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives to achieve shared objectives. Our work environment values inclusivity, encouraging team members to leverage their unique backgrounds and experiences to drive innovation and problem-solving. This approach ensures that every voice is heard and respected, contributing to a dynamic and effective team dynamic.
Proficient in interpersonal skills and collaborative teamwork, with a strong ability to communicate effectively and adapt to diverse professional environments.
Accumulated extensive senior-level advisory expertise at the highest organizational tiers.
Skilled in the art of persuasion, you effectively communicate ideas, influence stakeholders, and drive action through compelling arguments and data-driven insights. You excel at understanding audience motivations, tailoring messaging to resonate with diverse perspectives, and negotiating solutions that align with business goals. With a strong ability to simplify complex concepts and present them in a clear, engaging manner, you thrive in high-stakes environments where clarity and conviction are essential.
Proficient in distilling intricate concepts into clear, accessible explanations suitable for diverse audiences.
Solution-orientation
We foster a flexible and dynamic work environment, embracing diverse approaches to meet business objectives. Our team values collaborative problem-solving and encourages innovative ways to enhance productivity and efficiency. We provide support for remote work arrangements, hybrid schedules, and in-office collaboration, tailored to individual roles and project demands. Employees are empowered to choose methods that align with their strengths while contributing to collective success.
Global collaboration and communication – Engaging proficiently across diverse geographical locations, cultural backgrounds, and time zones by fostering open, transparent dialogue and aligning distributed teams toward a unified understanding.
Cross-functional teamwork involves active cooperation with professionals from diverse departments and specialized fields to integrate expertise, address challenges through collective effort, and achieve outcomes that support the organization’s strategic objectives.
To succeed, you will actively collaborate within a matrix organization, engaging constructively with both solid and dotted reporting lines. This involves maintaining transparent communication, aligning priorities with line and functional managers, and clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations to facilitate seamless cross-team delivery.
We must demonstrate flexibility and adaptability by staying attuned to shifting circumstances and proactively realigning priorities, methodologies, and collaborative frameworks in response to evolving project requirements, service needs, or organizational priorities.
Demonstrating strong ownership and accountability involves assuming full responsibility for advancing projects and initiatives, identifying and resolving challenges proactively, and ensuring commitments, decisions, and actions are executed to completion. You are expected to take initiative within your defined role rather than relying solely on guidance, driving progress through decisive and dependable actions.
Facilitating the growth and self-determination of member associations by equipping them with essential knowledge, resources, and insights derived from completed projects and services, thereby enabling them to enhance their capabilities and operational independence through shared learning experiences.
Cultivating a culture of open and constructive feedback and data sharing is essential, fostering an environment where teams and stakeholders can actively reflect, learn, and enhance their performance and contributions.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
